A Race With A View

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Jutting out along Sicily's northwestern coastline, sun-drenched Trapani has the strong winds and wide-open sea views that make it an ideal host for the America's Cup qualifying races, which take place Sept. 28 to Oct. 9. The competition, which dates back to 1851, has grown in global popularity, with teams from Italy, New Zealand and 2003 winners Switzerland battling for the title of sailing's best.

The Trapani preraces are part of a restructured lineup of annual contests that lead to the finals in Valencia, Spain, in 2007. Trapani's historic port is spruced up for the...